| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 12g | 7g | 58g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 35g | 4g | 6g | 0.096g |
Today, I’m sharing my love for a delightful fruit-based recipe from my repertoire – the delectable Apricot Fruit Bars. These sweet treats are a marvelous blend of tart dried apricots, sweet sugar, combined with wholesome oats all held together by a deliciously buttery crumble. Pair these with a cup of coffee in the morning, and you’ll start your day off on just the right note.
A Touch of Montana
Growing up around the ranches and mountains of Montana has instilled in me a love for fresh and natural produce. Though native Montana huckleberries and bison meat often take center stage in my menu creations, I have an affection for all fruits, especially the underappreciated apricot. This recipe for Apricot Fruit Bars is a homage to these subtly sweet stone fruits, which add a delightful balance to the rich, buttery texture of the bar.
Health Benefits of Apricots
Another reason why I am attached to this recipe is the health benefits associated with apricots. These small yet mighty fruits are packed with several potent antioxidants, including beta carotene and vitamins A, C, and E (source). They are also a great source of dietary fiber. By combining apricots with oats, another fiber-rich ingredient, these fruit bars also support a healthy digestive system.
I love how these Apricot Fruit Bars are similar to the classic dessert bars, but with a personal twist. The apricot filling is reminiscent of traditional fruit cobbler, while the crumbly base and topping draw comparisons to an oatmeal cookie or crumble pie. Their naturally sweet and tangy notes also make these bars a great accompaniment to savory dishes like cheese platters, or they can serve as a fruity contrast to BBQ’s smokey mainstays.
So next time you’re looking for a tasty treat that’s easy on the waistline and rich in flavors, give these Apricot Fruit Bars a go. You’ll be dancing to the harmonious fusion of sweet and tart flavors, crunchy and soft textures – a symphony orchestrated by the simple, honest ingredients of this recipe. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups of dried apricots
- 1 cup of water
- 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1.5 cups of rolled oats
- 3/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
Method
Step One
Combine the dried apricots and water in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and let it simmer until the apricots are tender and the water has almost entirely evaporated. This will take about 15 to 20 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool.
Step Two
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and set aside.
Step Three
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the rolled oats.
Step Four
Pour the melted butter and vanilla extract into the dry ingredient mixture. Stir until the mixture is crumbly.
Step Five
Press about two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Spread the cooled apricots over the crumb mixture.
Step Six
Mix the fresh lemon juice with the remaining crumb mixture. Sprinkle this evenly over the apricots, pressing gently to compact it.
Step Seven
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for about 35 to 40 minutes, until golden brown. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy your Apricot Fruit Bars.
